Face thread lifts vs collagen-stimulating fillers

by Dr Wan Chee Kwang
June 19, 2024

Face thread lifts and collagen-stimulating fillers both target signs of ageing, but understanding the differences is key to making the right choice. In this guide, we'll break down face thread lifts and collagen-stimulating fillers so you can pick the one that suits you best.

What are face thread lifts?

The face thread lift, alternatively termed thread lifting or thread rejuvenation, is a minimally invasive approach aimed at lifting and firming facial skin.

How is the procedure performed?

During a face thread lift procedure, a skilled practitioner will first mark the areas of the face where lifting is desired. Local anaesthesia is then administered to ensure a painless and pleasant experience for the patient throughout the procedure.

Next, small incisions are made in the skin, through which the threads are inserted using a fine needle or cannula. Once in place, the threads are gently manipulated to lift and reposition the underlying tissues, providing an immediate lifting effect.

Mechanism of action

The primary mechanism of action behind face thread lifts is twofold. The threads provide immediate support to lift sagging skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Secondly, as the threads gradually dissolve within the skin, they stimulate the body's natural production of collagen, promoting elasticity and firmness.

This dual action helps further to improve the skin's texture and tone over time, contributing to long-lasting results.

What are collagen-stimulating fillers?

Collagen-stimulating fillers are injectable treatments designed to add volume and promote collagen production in the skin. They sculpt and redefine facial contours while enhancing skin quality over time.

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure for collagen-stimulating fillers usually begins with a thorough consultation with your doctor to assess your aesthetic goals and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Local anaesthesia may be applied to minimise discomfort during the procedure. The filler solution is injected into targeted areas of the face, such as the cheeks, temples, or jawline, to restore volume and stimulate collagen production.

Mechanism of action

Collagen-stimulating fillers contain biocompatible substances such as calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) or poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which work by stimulating fibroblasts—the cells responsible for collagen production—in the deeper layers of the skin.

As the body gradually metabolises the filler, the stimulated fibroblasts continue producing new collagen, improving skin texture, firmness, and elasticity over time. This process leads to natural-looking and long-lasting rejuvenation of the treated areas.

Factors affecting the suitability of each procedure

When considering face thread lifts versus collagen-stimulating fillers, you should consider the following factors to determine which option best suits you.

Applicable skin concerns

Besides stimulating collagen for smoother and more supple skin, face thread lifts also provide a lifting effect, making it ideal for individuals with mild to moderate facial sagging. They can also soften the look of nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jawline definition.

Collagen-stimulating fillers can enhance facial contours and improve overall skin quality and texture. While they may provide a lifting effect too, this is usually subtle and delayed, unlike the immediate and direct results of thread lifts.

Longevity of results

Face thread lifts typically provide immediate lifting effects, improving results over the following weeks as collagen production is stimulated. While the duration of results can vary according to the type of threads used and individual skin characteristics, they generally last between 1 and 2 years.

Collagen-stimulating fillers require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results, as the effects are gradual and cumulative. However, once collagen production is stimulated, the results can last up to 2 years or longer, making them a longer-term solution for facial rejuvenation.

Recovery and downtime

Face thread lifts require small incisions to be made for inserting threads beneath the skin. They require a downtime of about one to two days for recovery and may cause temporary bruising or swelling. Other risks include infection, thread extrusion and dimpling.

On the other hand, collagen-stimulating filler injections require almost no downtime. While less invasive than thread lifts, they still carry some risks, such as nodule formation and discolouration. One severe complication is intravascular injection which is when the filler is inadvertently injected into a blood vessel, which can result in blindness and skin necrosis.

In September 2023, for instance, it was reported that a woman became blind after a dermal filler treatment, the first such adverse reaction in Singapore. Investigations later found that it was because of blood vessel occlusion, which happened when the filler was inadvertently administered into the bloodstream.

The risks of face thread lift and collagen-stimulating fillers can be minimised by consulting a professional with experience in the two treatments.

Looking for a face thread lift or filler treatment in Singapore?

Both face thread lifts and collagen-stimulating fillers rejuvenate the face and combat the signs of ageing. If you want to address lost volume and skin quality, collagen-stimulating fillers may be ideal for you. However, if you need to tackle sagging skin and droopy facial features, a face thread lift may be a more suitable option. We recommend you consult a qualified practitioner to go over your skin goals and decide after a thorough assessment.

1Aesthetics is an aesthetic clinic based in Singapore. We offer face thread lifts and collagen-stimulating fillers to give you a younger, lifted facial silhouette. Our skilled practitioners will also point you to a skin rejuvenation treatment that suits your needs and desires.

Schedule an appointment today.

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